Prendergast named President and CEO of VT Halter Marine

JUNE 18, 2015 — Jack Prendergast has been named as the new President and CEO of VT Halter Marine, Pascagoula, MS.

A retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, Prendergast joined the company in 2011 as an outside director, and was subsequently appointed as Executive Vice President in late 2012.

He succeeds Bill Skinner who is retiring after more than forty six years in the shipbuilding industry, including nearly two decades at VT Halter Marine.

Skinner previously served as President, CEO and Director of ADDSCO Industries (1985–1989), the parent company of Alabama Maritime Corporation, where he also served as President (1982–1984) and as President of Alabama Shipyard, Inc. (1989–1997) following its acquisition by Atlantic Marine.

"I have been privileged to serve at the helm of a shipbuilding company that has such a rich history, renowned reputation, loyal customers, and supportive ownership," said Skinner. "The greatest privilege was to work with a highly talented core group of employees that cares deeply about the company and is integral to its success."

"All of us here at VT Halter Marine are very appreciative of Bill's hard work and dedication to our company and I am fortunate to have worked with him over these last several years," said Prendergast, "VT Halter Marine has very experienced leadership with a superb future and our entire team is committed to improving our company as we implement and realign procedures. We all look forward to the opportunities ahead as we focus on process improvement and enhancing value to our customers"

During his three decades in the Navy, Prendergast served in both submarines and aboard aircraft carriers. As a Flag Officer was assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and subsequently to the Staff of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (The Joint Staff). On leaving the Navy, Prendergast worked for Lockheed Martin for several years before joining the VT Halter Marine team. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, and a Masters Degree in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Gen (Ret. USA) John G. Coburn, Chairman and CEO of parent VT Systems, said, "Bill has served as VT Halter's CEO since April 2009 leading the company through some very challenging years for shipbuilders on the Gulf Coast; we are thankful for the leadership and commitment Bill has shown through his years of service at VT Halter Marine. That leadership has contributed to VT Halter being one of the most innovative engineering and shipbuilding companies in the U.S. I have no doubt that Jack Prendergast and his team will continue VT Halter Marine's history of being an industry leader."